A bear was wandering through the woods when suddenly a tiger jumped out from behind a nearby bush. The two animals form a square, and neither side backs down nor backs down. Tigers are here for a reason, to hunt bears and turn them into dinner. However, since the tiger has made a move, the bear does not intend to turn over and die. Both of these top predators will fight to their last breath. Things have come to this, bear vs tiger, who will win?
Our first task is to decide which bear and tiger species will compete in this battle. After that, we need to consider several factors and set some ground rules for the encounter. Next, we’ll compare each animal’s seven key attributes that will come into play during encounters. Based on this information, we’ll determine the bear vs. tiger winner after playing out scenarios that could tip the fight in favor of either animal.
Comparing Bears and Tigers
Bears come in all shapes and sizes, from small sun bears in Southeast Asia to giant polar bears in the Arctic. Since this is a hypothetical battle of the strongest members of each species, we can ignore factors like geographic range. With this restriction lifted, polar bears will represent eight living species of ursoids in this battle. It is the largest bear species and also the most predatory, so it was a natural choice for this thought experiment.
At the same time, we must also choose one of the five existing tiger species. Of these species, the Siberian tiger is clearly the best candidate to represent its feline counterpart. Also known as the Siberian tiger, the Siberian tiger is the largest tiger species in the world. It is most capable of going head-to-head with bears and is one of the greatest stealth hunters on the planet. With our fighters selected, it’s time to see how they compare to each other. We’ll compare seven key offensive and defensive attributes that together help us determine the outcome of a bear versus tiger battle.
| polar bear | Siberian tiger | |
| size | 7 feet 10 inches to 9 feet 10 inches long 770 to 1,500 lbs | 5’3″ to 6’6″ long 397 to 675 lbs |
| speed | 25 mph | 40 mph |
| bite force | 1,200 psi | 1,050 psi |
| teeth | 42 teeth up to 1.96 inches | 30 teeth Canines 2.5 to 3 inches long |
| paw | Paws 3.5 to 3.75 inches long | up to 4 inches |
| endurance | Frequently swim 30 miles at a time Can run 1.25 miles non-stop | Can only run 300 feet at top speed |
| predatory instinct | Ambush animals under the ice Mobile prey that walk less on land | Stalk and ambush prey from their blind spots kill by biting hard on the neck or throat |
7 Key Factors in Polar Bear vs. Siberian Tiger Fight
Polar Bear vs Siberian Tiger: Size
Based on their size, polar bears surpass Siberian tigers in both length and mass. The average male polar bear stands between 7’10” and 9’10” and weighs between 770 and 1,500 pounds. However, particularly large polar bears can reach 11 feet tall and weigh more than 2,000 pounds. Meanwhile, most male Siberian tigers stand between 5’3″ and 6’6″ (without tail) and weigh between 397 and 650 pounds. While large specimens can be as long as 10 feet and weigh nearly 900 pounds, that means even the largest Siberian tiger is no bigger than the smallest polar bear. Based on this information, polar bears have advantages in strength and size. Advantage: polar bear
Polar Bear vs Siberian Tiger: Speed
While a polar bear can beat a Siberian tiger in the realm of brute force, it can’t match a tiger’s sheer speed or agility (at least on land). At top speed, polar bears can run nearly 25 miles per hour. However, its top speed pales in comparison to the Siberian tiger, which can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. That said, if the fight took place at sea, the polar bear easily beats the tiger at its top swimming speed of 6+ mph. Unfortunately for the polar bears, this battle will be fought on land, meaning the tigers gain a clear advantage with their lighter frame and quicker reflexes. Advantage: Siberian Tiger
Polar Bear vs Siberian Tiger: Bite Force
Both polar bears and Siberian tigers possess powerful bites that can inflict severe damage to flesh and bone. With its massive skull, a polar bear can generate over 1,200 psi of pressure with each bite, enough to smash a whale’s skull. The Siberian tiger is second only to the polar bear in strength. It provides a maximum bite force of around 1,050 psi. While tigers have the strongest bite force of any cat, polar bears narrowly retain the edge in this category. Advantage: polar bear
Polar Bear vs Siberian Tiger: Teeth
As carnivores, both polar bears and Siberian tigers have sharp teeth that can tear through flesh. However, the number of teeth and tooth length vary from animal to animal. Like most canids, polar bears have 42 teeth in their mouths. These teeth vary in size and can be as long as 1.96 inches. They are designed to bite through the thick blubber and blubber of whales and seals. While the Siberian tiger has only 30 teeth in its mouth, its fangs dwarf those of a polar bear. Its canines are 2.5 to 3 inches long and are ideal for piercing through thick flesh. In short, polar bear bites create more impact points, while Siberian tiger bites are deeper. Considering the tiger can inflict deeper, more menacing wounds, it gains a slight advantage. Advantage: Siberian Tiger
Polar Bear vs Siberian Tiger: Claws
Most bears wield large, relatively blunt claws. Unlike other bears, polar bears have very sharp claws. They can reach a length of 3.5 to 3.75 inches. In addition to helping them catch and hold prey, their claws provide traction, which helps them maintain their balance while running across icy terrain. However, the Amur tiger’s claws belong to another class of sharpness. Their retractable claws can grow up to 4 inches long and are ridiculously sharp. They possess a sinister curve that allows the tiger to grab its prey and prevent any possible or escape. Considering their size, sharpness and shape, Amur tiger claws are more menacing. Advantage: Siberian Tiger
Polar Bear vs Siberian Tiger: Stamina
It’s fair to compare polar bears to the superathletes of the ursid family. They can swim up to 30 miles at a time, with some reports estimating that they can swim up to 200 miles without rest. Plus, younger, leaner polar bears can run up to 1.25 miles at top speed, which only further cements their incredible stamina. Siberian tigers, on the other hand, can only run about 300 feet at maximum speed. They are designed to perform short, explosive movements, not conserve energy for protracted conflict. As a result, in a war of attrition, the polar bears have the decisive advantage. Advantage: polar bear
Polar Bear vs. Siberian Tiger: Predation Instinct
Both polar bears and Siberian tigers prefer to ambush their prey rather than attack them head-on. Polar bears tend to wait on ice floes until an unsuspecting seal swims by, while Siberian tigers prefer to stalk their prey and attack from behind. In land warfare, the Siberian Tiger has a clear advantage. However, on an open field, without obstacles and any unexpected factors, the Siberian tiger’s advantage will disappear. Polar bears regularly step on large prey, including walruses, so they know how to attack their enemies in a straightforward fight. That’s not the Siberian tiger’s strong suit, so the polar bear’s predatory instincts give it the edge in fights that don’t startle. Advantage: polar bear
Final tally: Polar Bear (4), Siberian Tiger (3)
Who will win in a battle between a polar bear and a Siberian tiger?
If a Siberian tiger can grab a young female polar bear unknowingly, it’s likely to fight. Their sharp claws, long teeth, and quick reflexes make them excellent ambush hunters. If a tiger can bite into a bear’s jugular vein or spinal cord, it can quickly take down a smaller polar bear. However, a polar bear would likely win in a head-to-head encounter between two adult males. Their greater mass, stronger bite and greater stamina would allow them to outlive smaller, weaker tigers. Eventually, the tiger tires out, allowing the polar bear to use its considerable size to work. All it takes is a lucky tap or two with its massive claws to bring the tiger to its knees, and a few bites to finish it off.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bears and Tigers
Do tigers eat bears?
Tigers will eat any large prey they can catch and kill, including bears. In most cases, the bears eaten by the larger tigers were young female Himalayan bears. Even so, a cub can fight back, so when a tiger decides to go after a bear, it has to be extra careful.
Do bears eat tigers?
Research has shown that bears occasionally follow tigers in the hope of stealing their prey and getting a quick meal. Such reckless behavior can lead to conflict between the two species. In some cases, the fight ended with bears gaining the upper hand, in which case they ate the tiger, although they don’t usually consider tigers as prey.
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
